COMPARISONor

CONTRAST ESSAY

2

PREWRITING

3

PREWRITINGo Decide upon which side of the coin you will

focus.

o That is, decide whether you will compare OR contrast your subjects.

4

COMPARISON

SIMILARITIESONLY

5

CONTRAST

DIFFERENCES ONLY

6

DO NOT DO BOTH!*REGARDLESS of the TERM

“COMPARISON SHOPPING” which insinuates that we will both COMPARE and CONTRAST

*Remember theDIVISION/CLASSIFICATION essay in which you either DIVIDED or CLASSIFIED

7

PREWRITING* SUBJECTS:o only 2o choose subjects from the

same general category o not apples vs. oranges: o not Hummer vs. Mini Cooper

* POINTS of COMPARISON/CONTRAST:o 3 points of comparison/contrasto compare or contrast the same 3 points

for each subject

==

8

PREWRITING(1) Choose between comparison OR

contrast.(2) Select 2 subjects from the same

general category.(3) Brainstorm points of comparison

and/or contrast.(4) Choose the 3 most significant points

of comparison or contrast to be utilized throughout the essay.

(5) Draft a detailed outline of this essay following one of the organizational schemes discussed below.

9

INTRODUCTION

10

INTRODUCTIONo First, as always, introduce your topic or broad

category and identify your audience and purpose:

11

INTRODUCTION(1) GENERALIZATION:o Write a generalization that introduces your general

category. o “Everybody,” “Most people”o For example, if you are contrasting two specific cars,

generalize about vehicles: Most college students need some kind of vehicle to get

to class and work.

o If you are comparing two tragic events, generalize about history or epochal moments.

12

INTRODUCTION(2) SCENARIO:o Create one as you did in the Process essay.o Create a situation in which this comparison or

contrast is relevant or necessary.o For example, if you are contrasting 2 cars,

discuss your personal experience in which you traded in your “Junk Mobile” for something respectable.

13

INTRODUCTIONo Next, narrow the broad category

(that you mentioned in your opening generalization) towards the two specific subjects that you will compare or contrast: “Some” and “Others” If you generalized about vehicles, perhaps

move to types of vehicles (using Classification).

Some of us drive “big ol’ trucks,” while others drive little “gas misers.”

14

INTRODUCTIONo Now you should be at that spot to announce

your two subjects.

Segue from your previous statement: However, the most common type of car I have

noticed in the school parking lot is the mid-sized sedan, and the two most popular models are the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.

15

INTRODUCTIONo At this point, you have introduced your

general topic/category, identified your audience, and announced your subjects.

o Now, you must now set up your contrast or comparison.

o Now it is time to “tip your hat.”

16

INTRODUCTION:Tip o’ th’ Hat #1o First, tip your hat to the other

side of the coin (if you’ll forgive the

mixed metaphor).

o That is, mention the opposite aspect briefly. This allows you to segue to your three

main points of comparison or contrast. This establishes your ethos (credibility) as

a writer. These ubiquitous models share

similarities, such as available colors and tire covers.

17

INTRODUCTION:Tip o’ th’ Hat #1o Thus, if you are writing a contrast

essay, admit that similarities exist and list a few of them.

o If, on the other hand, you are writing a

comparison essay, admit that differences exist and mention a few.

o Contrast Essay: admit the similarities o Comparison Essay: admit the differences

18

INTRODUCTION:Tip o’ th’ Hat #1o Now, you need to segue from the

opposite side of the coin (the opposite aspect that you mentioned in the previous statement) to the one you will focus on in the Body of your essay.

19

INTRODUCTION:Tip o’ th’ Hat #1o To do this,

(1) state that your approach hasmore significant or important differences/similarities: That is, in a comparison essay, state that the

similarities are more important. In a contrast essay, state that the differences

are more important. However, despite these minor similarities, the

differences between the Accord and Camry are more significant.

20

INTRODUCTION:Tip o’ th’ Hat #1

(2) tip your hat to the minor points:

Because you cannot discuss ALL

differences or ALL similarities in the

Body of your essay, admit the limits of your contrast or comparison

by listing here the other—less significant or too obvious—differences or similarities.

21

INTRODUCTION:Tip o’ th’ Hat #1

Thus, in a contrast essay, mention

some of the other differences. In a comparison essay, list some of

the other similarities. These points will not be in the Body. These points did not “make the cut.” Some of these dissimilarities include the

exhaust, sound, and fuel systems.

22

INTRODUCTION: Thesis Statemento At this point, you have introduced your

general category, identified your audience and two subjects, and mentioned some similarities and differences.

o Now you are ready to state your thesis.

23

INTRODUCTION: Thesis Statemento Mention the 2 subjects. o Mention the 3 points of comparison or

contrast. Be clear. Be concise. Be consistent (parallel structure).

24

INTRODUCTION: Thesis Statemento Answer this question: Why these 3?

o after “tipping your hat” to the other similarities or differences, create your focus by stating that these 3 = the superlative:

o most important, significant, relevant, representative, fundamental, notable, …

However, the most important similarities shared by Subjects X and Y include 1, 2, and 3.

Nevertheless, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry differ significantly in terms of gas mileage, engine size, and extras.

25

INTRODUCTIONI. Generalization

Types 2 subjects

Similarities (opposite)Differences (minor points) * Thesis (3 most significant points)

26

INTRODUCTIONMost college students need some kind of vehicle to

get to class and work. Some of us drive “big ol’ trucks” while others drive little “gas misers.” However, the most common type of car I have noticed in the school parking lot is the mid-sized sedan, and the two most popular models are the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. These ubiquitous models share similarities, such as available colors and tire covers. However, despite these minor similarities, the differences between the Accord and Camry are more significant. Some of these dissimilarities include the exhaust and fuel systems. Nevertheless, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry differ significantly in terms of gas mileage, engine size, and extras.

27

INTRODUCTIONMost of us watch television and realize that

the majority of shows fall into situation comedies or drama categories. I find “sit-coms” idiotic, so I typically watch dramas, especially crime dramas. Over the years there have been some franchises in this sub-genre, such as the Law and Order shows. However, I truly enjoy the CSI: programs, which most people agree are quite similar, especially in terms of the forensic science involved and the formulaic plots. While this may be true, I have noticed that CSI: Miami and the original CSI: are different in many ways, such as their locales and their atmospheres. However, the three most dramatic differences between CSI: Miami and CSI: include the main characters, the acting, and the writing.

28

BODY

29

Body: FOCUSo Despite the fact that you may have mentioned

in the Introduction the opposite aspect concerning these 2 subjects—similarities if you will focus on differences, differences if you will focus on similarities—make certain that you discuss only one (1) “side of the coin” in the Body of the essay.

Compare OR Contrast

30

Body: ORGANIZATIONo While organization is a key part of any essay

you write,o It is especially important to the C/C essay.

FORM = FUNCTION

o Your organization (form) reinforces your main

point (function).o So …

31

Body: ORGANIZATIONo So … use the Emphatic Order in two ways:

1) Save the “best” point for last.

2) Place the “better” Subject second.

3) Subject #2 should be “better” for all 3 points (in a contrast essay).

4) You will prefer or recommend Subject #2 in your Conclusion (in a contrast essay).

5) In a Comparison essay, be consistent where you place the subjects.

32

Body: ORGANIZATIONo So … carefully and faithfully follow one of the

two organizational methods:

1) Subject-by-Subject

2) Point-by-Point-by-Point

33

Body: ORGANIZATIONSUBJECT-by-SUBJECT method

1) HONDA ACCORD:o gas mileageo engine sizeo extras

2) TOYOTA CAMRY:o gas mileageo engine sizeo extras -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-o 3rd point of c/c = most important (“emphatic order”)o 2nd subject, here the Toyota, is the one you will recommend in

your conclusion, the one you favor, the better of the two in all 3 points

o # of paragraphs not necessarily 5

34

Body: ORGANIZATION POINT-by-POINT-by-POINT method1) GAS MILEAGEo A. Honda Accordo B. Toyota Camry

2) ENGINE SIZEo A. Honda Accordo B. Toyota Camry

3) EXTRASo A. Honda Accordo B. Toyota Camry--------------------------------------------------------------------------o 3rd point of c/c = most important (“emphatic order”)o 2nd subject is the one you will recommend in the conclusion, the

one you favor, the better of the two for all 3 points

35

Body: ORGANIZATIONo While you are free to choose either

organizational scheme, o most people write better essays with the

latter (Point-by-Point-by-Point). By “better” I mean including ample detail

and support.

BMS: BE MORE

SPECIFIC

36

BE SPECIFICDETAILS: • description• narrative (anecdotal evidence)• instances• examples

37

BE SPECIFICDETAILS: • put #’s into context • That is, to say that Car A gets 12 miles

per gallon is a start, but to explain that that translates into $265 per week or into filling up three times on a drive from Hazleton to Scranton is another, more descriptive and detailed way of expressing a point of contrast.

38

Body: ORGANIZATIONPARAGRAPH STRUCTURE:

(in the PbPbP method):

1) Name the point and, if necessary, briefly explain the point

2) Discuss and illustrate Subject #1 completely: Subject #1 (generally speaking) Subject #1 (specifically—specific

example)

39

Body: ORGANIZATIONPARAGRAPH STRUCTURE:

(in the PbPbP method):

3) Use a proper TRANSITION.

4) Then discuss and illustrate Subject #2 completely:

Subject #2 (generally speaking) Subject #2 (specifically—specific

example)

40

Body: TRANSITIONSCOMPARISON:• by/in comparison, similarly, in the

same way, in like manner, likewise, by the same token, in a similar fashion, in relation to, in respect of, with reference to, with regard to, a propos, vis-à-vis

41

Body: TRANSITIONSCONTRAST:• in/by contrast, conversely, on the

other hand, on the contrary, however, though, otherwise, at the same time, notwithstanding, nevertheless, nonetheless, whereas, but, yet, besides, versus, while, instead, although (at the start of a Subordinate Clause)

42

Body: TRANSITIONSEXAMPLE:• for example, for instance, to illustrate,

to demonstrate, namely, specifically, in this case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, as follows: the following:

43

CONCLUSION

44

CONCLUSIONo TYPICAL CONCLUSION MATERIAL:

o repeat purpose, main idea, main points

o ** “CONCLUDE”:

o Make recommendations, make suggestions, draw conclusions

the better buy the parent to whom you are closer what these similarities mean, teach you

o Based on the information you just presented

45

CONCLUSION*INDUCTION*

o After the typical repeat, repeat, repeat,o After your recommendation, o Step back (zoom out) from your essay and

discuss the significance of such a contrast or comparison.

o OK, so you’ve proven that these 2

items are different (or the same) …o So what?! X

46

CONCLUSION*INDUCTION*

o Move from the specific to the general. o Like the Conclusion to the Narrative essay,o radiate out from the particular, which, in this

case, is your comparison or contrast.o What has this process taught you about

yourself, people, technology,

American culture, parenting, the

automotive industry …? X

47

REMEMBER

48

REMEMBERo This is NOT an Illustration/Example

essay, so no “reasons.” o Instead, use:

“differences,” “similarities” “points of contrast,” “points of

comparison”

49

REMEMBERo Use “better of the two” instead of

“best” comparative with 2, superlative

with 3+

o Use “different from” rather than “different than.” (DT’s are bad.)

o Use “than” for comparison; “then” for

adverb and paired with “if.”

50

Comparison VS

Contrast

Comparison VS Contrasto SIMILARITIES

o Resemblanceso Comparisonso Likenesseso Parallelso Correspondenceso Equivalence

o PURPOSE:o To demonstrate

the similarities between two different subjects.

o DIFFERENCES:o Dissimilaritieso Disparitieso Distinctionso Divergenceso Variationso Differentiations

o PURPOSE:o To demonstrate

the differences between two similar subjects.

52

C/C Essay VS

Example Essay

C/C Essay VS Example Essayo POINTS of

COMPARISON or CONTRAST “similarities” “differences”

o Comparison/Contrast o BODY STRUCTURE:o 3 Body paragraphso 3 similarities/differenceso Each supported by:o exampleso description, narration

o REASONS “because” “why” “reasons”

o Argument/Claim o BODY STRUCTURE:o 3 Body paragraphso 3 reasonso Each supported by:o examples o description, narration

C/C Essay VS Example Essayo PURPOSE:o To notice the

similarities between disparate items OR the differences between analogous items

o To illustrate each point of comparison/contrast through description, narration, and/or example

o EMPHATIC ORDER

o PURPOSE:o To use examples to

reason/argue, explain, clarify, convince, persuade, prove a point, support a claim

o To illustrate each reason/point with clear, relevant examples in the form of description, narration, and/or example

o EMPHATIC ORDER

55

TOPICS

BE ORIGINAL• Contrast items most people think are similar. • Compare items that people think are different.

RESEARCH• Remember this is a researched essay.• So select a topic on which you can find quality sources…and not your opinion. • So cite & create a Works Consulted page.

58

COMPARISON

• High School & College• Two Disparate Religions• Two Dissimilar Cultures• Two Races, Genders, Movements, Eras• Two Political Parties (Republicans,

Democrats)• You and Your “Enemy”• Two Musical Genres• Two Fictional Characters, Works• Pearl Harbor and 9/11 (or Contrast)• US Civil War and Iraq War• Homosexual Marriage and Heterosexual

Marriage• Two US Presidents, World Leaders

CONTRAST• Two Cars (same year, class)• Two Fictional Characters• Two Television Shows• Two Cell Phones• Two Cell Phone Companies• High School & College (*with a

twist)• YOU (at two different stages

of your life)• Two Colleges (you have

attended, will attend)• 2 Jobs (you have had)• 2 Bosses• 2 Majors• Then vs. Now: (specific era)

• raising children• entertainment industry• Wilkes-Barre

• Career Choices• not of Islam: Terrorists,

Zealots vs. Quran• Dungeons & Dragons vs.

Vampire• Steelers of 1995 vs. 2003 • Contrast Family’s Two Dogs• Electric Bass vs. Acoustic

Bass• KC vs. Misericordia• Poems, Plays, Novels• Your Parents, Siblings, or

Children• Twins• Video Games Systems• Computers, Games• pre-9/11 vs. post-9/11 USA• 9/11 vs. Pearl Harbor• Iraq War vs. Vietnam

60

COMPARISON and CONTRAST

in OTHER FIELDS

61

ART:

French Impressionism

62

COMPARISON:RENOIR & MONET

FRENCH IMPRESSIONISM

63

COMPARISON:PICASSO & PICASSO

BLUE PERIOD

64

CONTRAST: PICASSO & VAN GOGH

SELF-PORTRAITS

65

CONTRAST:PICASSO & PICASSO

SEATED WOMEN

66

HISTORY:

Pearl Harbor & September 11

67

COMPARE or CONTRAST:12-7-1941 and 9-11-2001

68

HISTORY:

American Civil War

GRANT and LEE: DifferencesDEMOCRACY:• community, competition,

break with the past• equality, practicality

CHANGE:• anticipates change• accepts change

EXPANSIONISM:• great opportunity/new

chances to prosper (“equality”)

• based on willingness to work• win for oneself (“rugged

individualism”)

ARISTOCRACY:• family, culture, tradition• inequality, leisure class• land = #1 source of wealth• obligation to the community

CHANGE:• fears change• fights change

EXPANSIONISM:• inherited social position• leisure class = owners, role

models, protectors

GRANT and LEE: Similarities• tenacious fighter• daring• resourcefulness• ability to turn quickly from

war to peace

• tenacious fighter• daring• resourcefulness• ability to turn quickly from

war to peace

71

LITERATURE:

Shakespeare’s Sonnets

SHAKESPEARE’S SONNETSSONNET #18

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?Thou art more lovely and more temperate:Rough winds do shake the darling buds of

May,And summer's lease hath all too short a

date:Sometime too hot the eye of heaven

shines,And often is his gold complexion dimmed,And every fair from fair sometime

declines,By chance, or nature's changing course

untrimmed: But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st,

Nor shall death brag thou wander'st in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st,So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

SONNET #130

My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;

Coral is far more red, than her lips red:

If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;

If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.

I have seen roses damasked, red and white,

But no such roses see I in her cheeks;And in some perfumes is there more

delightThan in the breath that from my

mistress reeks.I love to hear her speak, yet well I

knowThat music hath a far more pleasing

sound:I grant I never saw a goddess go, My mistress, when she walks, treads

on the ground:And yet by heaven, I think my love as rare,As any she belied with false compare.

73

LITERATURE:

AUTHOR vs. HOLLYWOOD

74

BOOK vs. MOVIE VERSION

75

MUSIC:

Compact Discs and Concerts

76

Musical Quality: In the Studio AND in the Stadium

• Live vs. CD• Early career vs. Later• Before Sold-Out vs. After• Different Lead Singers

77

RELATIONSHIPS:

MEN and WOMEN

BILLY JOEL “A ROOM of OUR OWN”You've got diamonds and I've got spadesYou've got pills, And I've got razor bladesYou've got yoga honey; I've got beerYou got overpriced, And I got weird But it's alrightWe're the same even though we're aloneIt's alrightYes we all need a room of our own You've got love darlin‘; I've got sexYou've got cash, mama, And I've got checksYou've got business, baby; I've got the kidsYou got crowded just the way I did But it's alrightCause we all need a place to call homeIt's alrightYes we all need a room of our own I can still remember packed togetherLike a can of sardinesNo, no, noPushin', shovin'That's when lovin'Starts to come apart at the seamsOh no, no, no, no

You've got the day shift; I've got nightsWe go wrong at times, But we've got rightsYou've got TV shows; I've got crimeBut you've got your room, honey, And I've got

mine It's alrightIt's the one thing that we should have knownYes, it's alrightYes, we all need a room of our ownAnd it's alrightYes we all need a place to call homeIt's alrightYes we all need a room of our ownIt's alrightIt's alrightTo have a room of your ownNo, no, no, it's alrightYeah it's alright mamaTo have a room of our ownSometimes you've got to get awayGot to get awayGot to get awayGot to get away to a room of our ownGot to have a roomGot to have a little elbow room of my own.

79

END